The City of Austin Heritage Preservation Grant Program is managed by the Heritage Tourism Division and aims to promote tourism through various historic preservation projects and activities. This program is designed to include all narratives rooted in history and heritage, thereby enhancing the cultural landscape of Austin. The funding for these grants is sourced from the Hotel Occupancy Tax proceeds generated by the city's convention and hotel industries. The program recognizes historic preservation as a vital community-building tool that not only preserves significant sites but also creates jobs and bolsters local economies.

The Heritage Preservation Grant provides financial support for a range of projects, including capital improvements, planning initiatives, educational programs, and marketing efforts at historically designated sites. The grants can range from a minimum of $30,000 to a maximum of $250,000, depending on the type of proposal and the completeness of project bids. The duration of the grant is set for a period of 24 months, allowing sufficient time for the implementation of the funded projects.

Eligible applicants for the Heritage Preservation Grant include for-profit organizations, government entities, and nonprofit organizations. To qualify, applicants must be registered as a vendor with the City of Austin and demonstrate that they have been operational in the Austin metropolitan area for at least two years. Additionally, applicants must reside within the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses Travis, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson Counties. Organizations that are currently receiving or applying for funding from the City for the same proposal within the contract period are not eligible. Previous awardees must have successfully completed all contractual funding agreements, including the submission of final reports.

The application process requires potential applicants to submit a detailed proposal that outlines their project and its alignment with the goals of the Heritage Preservation Grant. Specific questions related to the project’s objectives, expected outcomes, and community impact will be included in the application. The evaluation of applications will be based on criteria such as the project's feasibility, potential for community engagement, and alignment with the preservation goals of the City of Austin.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Heritage Preservation Grant is October 8, 2024. It is important for interested parties to prepare their proposals well in advance of this date to ensure all requirements are met. The program is anticipated to continue its recurring cycles, providing ongoing opportunities for funding historic preservation initiatives in the Austin area.

For more information about the grant, including submission requirements and evaluation criteria, applicants can visit the City of Austin's official website or contact the Heritage Tourism Division directly via email. This program represents a significant opportunity for organizations looking to engage in meaningful preservation work that contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of Austin.